I am a prison guard for the state of Illinois, and last week I learned that walking violent inmates backwards disorientates the inmate. You see instead of thinking about how or when to do the next violent act it forces them to focus on walking backwards not on violence. I have thought about this allot in the last week. What came to mind was Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
So many times we as Christians spend most of our Christian lives moving forward while walking backwards. We walk in an disoriented state. We focus on our failures, we focus on past sins, and most of all we spend so much time worrying about things we cannot change. Instead of reaching our full potential in Christ. We must realize that those things in the past is history and we cannot change it. What has been done cannot be undone. So as Paul said, we must leave the past in the past, and move forward toward the calling that Jesus has on our lives.
I believe that every if every Christian (most of all myself) would just realize that we cannot let the past dictate our future but allow today to determine the outcome of our future. Just as today's newspaper, it might be today's news but tomorrow's trash. Lets stop moving forward by walking backwards and start living today that we may obtain our prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. So as I walk forward I pray that I will continue to walk toward the high calling of Jesus, by Staring At Lines.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
When Words Are Not Enough
I have been going through a rough time right now, and for some reason God has placed me in a situation that has put allot of stress on me. I know that He will bring me through it, but for now I just wanted to shut down. I was so hurt by the situation that I just didn't want to talk. So that night I just held my girlfriend (Julie) and she did something she had never done before. She said nothing. It really never dawned on me at the moment but while I was reading the book of Job I saw that in Chapter 2 verses 11-13. That Job was hurting over his losses his 3 friends came and sat with him for 7 days and 7 nights and said nothing.
What I realized is that sometimes we say more in silence than we do when we talk. I think that sometimes we talk way to much and what we need when we are hurting is just an ear to hear. We want to know that our friends are here just to let us know they care. Just the fact that a friend is near by is what we need. That having security of knowing that your friends are just a phone call away. Realizing that they are hurting with us.
In fact, when Job's friends do talk. Job says that his friends are "miserable comforters!" (Job 16:2). While they are well meaning, sometimes we just don't want to hear it. Often our friends think they know all the facts, and in reality they only know what we tell them. So most times the advice they give while may be good, if they do not have all the details they cannot give the proper advice.
So, what I am finding out about life is that I still have allot to learn. Things that I didn't know before, I am learning for the 1st time. So as I continue to follow, or stare at the lines of Scriptures. Please follow me while I am Staring At Lines
What I realized is that sometimes we say more in silence than we do when we talk. I think that sometimes we talk way to much and what we need when we are hurting is just an ear to hear. We want to know that our friends are here just to let us know they care. Just the fact that a friend is near by is what we need. That having security of knowing that your friends are just a phone call away. Realizing that they are hurting with us.
In fact, when Job's friends do talk. Job says that his friends are "miserable comforters!" (Job 16:2). While they are well meaning, sometimes we just don't want to hear it. Often our friends think they know all the facts, and in reality they only know what we tell them. So most times the advice they give while may be good, if they do not have all the details they cannot give the proper advice.
So, what I am finding out about life is that I still have allot to learn. Things that I didn't know before, I am learning for the 1st time. So as I continue to follow, or stare at the lines of Scriptures. Please follow me while I am Staring At Lines
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Lesson on Trust
The other day I received a text from my oldest son Raymond (the one I spoke of, about the $20 challenge). the text said. "Do you remember all those talks we had than went something like this, Dad, I want you to trust me. Well Raymond you need to show me you are trust worthy first. Dad, how about you give me some trust and I will show you I am trust worthy? Sorry, Raymond it doesn't work this way. I just had this same conversation with Izayah (my grandson) very similar, but pertaining to a guitar."
I have often wonder what earthly good does it when you try to speak wisdom to your non listening kids? Or at what point do we start talking like our parents? It is the latter question I want to focus on. How often did we say, "I am never gonna say that to my kids". Then somehow, someway or sometime we have found the logic in what our parents were trying to teach us. It is kinda weird, but also it is kind of humbling to know I was wrong the whole time. Now I use the knowledge that I was taught and try to share the wisdom with my boys. It is kinda funny, Raymond once told me, "He thought I was the dumbest man on earth, and now I am the smartest man he knows." I am not sure that if the statement is true but this one thing I know I am defiantly my fathers son. Raymond is also his father's son as well.
You could say I am a reflection of my father and my son is a reflection of me. When it comes right down to it. Is that not what we were suppose to do in our Christian walk? Are we not suppose to reflect Jesus in our lives? While other may not get it, or understand it. Hopefully when we are faithful or trustworthy God will bless our lives and others will see it, and they just might get it. They will see and hear what we are saying loud and clear. Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5) .
As I try to show myself trustworthy to my Father, I will continue to follow Him by Staring at Lines.
I have often wonder what earthly good does it when you try to speak wisdom to your non listening kids? Or at what point do we start talking like our parents? It is the latter question I want to focus on. How often did we say, "I am never gonna say that to my kids". Then somehow, someway or sometime we have found the logic in what our parents were trying to teach us. It is kinda weird, but also it is kind of humbling to know I was wrong the whole time. Now I use the knowledge that I was taught and try to share the wisdom with my boys. It is kinda funny, Raymond once told me, "He thought I was the dumbest man on earth, and now I am the smartest man he knows." I am not sure that if the statement is true but this one thing I know I am defiantly my fathers son. Raymond is also his father's son as well.
You could say I am a reflection of my father and my son is a reflection of me. When it comes right down to it. Is that not what we were suppose to do in our Christian walk? Are we not suppose to reflect Jesus in our lives? While other may not get it, or understand it. Hopefully when we are faithful or trustworthy God will bless our lives and others will see it, and they just might get it. They will see and hear what we are saying loud and clear. Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5) .
As I try to show myself trustworthy to my Father, I will continue to follow Him by Staring at Lines.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The $20 Challenge- I Dare You To Do It!
Have you ever had a burden that just ate at you? Something that you might not have seen before, just when you notice it just grips you? Something you felt strong about but felt powerless in doing? So powerless that you know that it can only happen with God's help? You know you have to do something but other than pray, your just not sure what to do. I always hate the thought that all you can do is pray (like prayer is a hail Mary pass, just hoping it might work), but that is not a bad thing either because God's glory is revealed.
So with that being said, I was praying one day and I got a heavy burden for my 3 sons. So I started praying for them. That God's glory be revealed, and that the love of Jesus be shown to them. I have not been the best father to them. I have made allot of mistakes as a parent. I have left a few scars on their lives. So when God brought me back to Him. I knew my message (of Jesus love) would not be as strong coming from my life right now. So yes, I was left with the hail Mary pass. The ideal of prayer being the last resort was tough pill for me to swallow.
One day my oldest son Raymond and I got into a heated conversation about God. My son wanted God's blessings 1st then he would obey and follow Him, but I kept telling him it doesn't work that way. On my way to work God spoke to me and asked me to remind Raymond that He has blessed Raymond. So as I went to work and came home I had prepared for his phone call. When he called, he had told me how God had reveled Himself to Ray. Praise God for answered prayers!
So one day I took Ray and his Girlfriend (Amanda) and my 2nd Grandson (Remington's) to lunch. I was telling them how they should come to our Easter Experience. In fact I said, you should come since you have nothing to do on Saturday night. They said they would like to come, but with the price of Gas they could not. I said if I give you $20 for gas will you come? They said, "how can we refuse". They ended up coming and Amanda made some decision for Jesus although I have never asked her yet. I do think it was real because she had that special glow and they come every Sunday they can. What was the most amazing part of this story is that she brought her Mom and little brother. They also planned on coming back again. So my $20 investment in the future lives of my son has brought more rewards, as my Son Raymond says it is amazing how far $20 will go when it comes to eternity.
So this is my $20 challenge. Find someone or ask God to put a burden on someones soul and start praying for them and ask God to do a miracle in their life. Then ask God to give you the wisdom to do something nice for them. Gas money, Dinner, just something, just get them to come to church with you and then afterwards do something nice for them. See how far it takes you. See what God does with you $20 investment. It might not be $20 it could be more it maybe less, but give God a chance to work through you and be a blessing to someones soul. You never know how much it will return. So until next time keep Staring At Lines.
So with that being said, I was praying one day and I got a heavy burden for my 3 sons. So I started praying for them. That God's glory be revealed, and that the love of Jesus be shown to them. I have not been the best father to them. I have made allot of mistakes as a parent. I have left a few scars on their lives. So when God brought me back to Him. I knew my message (of Jesus love) would not be as strong coming from my life right now. So yes, I was left with the hail Mary pass. The ideal of prayer being the last resort was tough pill for me to swallow.
One day my oldest son Raymond and I got into a heated conversation about God. My son wanted God's blessings 1st then he would obey and follow Him, but I kept telling him it doesn't work that way. On my way to work God spoke to me and asked me to remind Raymond that He has blessed Raymond. So as I went to work and came home I had prepared for his phone call. When he called, he had told me how God had reveled Himself to Ray. Praise God for answered prayers!
So one day I took Ray and his Girlfriend (Amanda) and my 2nd Grandson (Remington's) to lunch. I was telling them how they should come to our Easter Experience. In fact I said, you should come since you have nothing to do on Saturday night. They said they would like to come, but with the price of Gas they could not. I said if I give you $20 for gas will you come? They said, "how can we refuse". They ended up coming and Amanda made some decision for Jesus although I have never asked her yet. I do think it was real because she had that special glow and they come every Sunday they can. What was the most amazing part of this story is that she brought her Mom and little brother. They also planned on coming back again. So my $20 investment in the future lives of my son has brought more rewards, as my Son Raymond says it is amazing how far $20 will go when it comes to eternity.
So this is my $20 challenge. Find someone or ask God to put a burden on someones soul and start praying for them and ask God to do a miracle in their life. Then ask God to give you the wisdom to do something nice for them. Gas money, Dinner, just something, just get them to come to church with you and then afterwards do something nice for them. See how far it takes you. See what God does with you $20 investment. It might not be $20 it could be more it maybe less, but give God a chance to work through you and be a blessing to someones soul. You never know how much it will return. So until next time keep Staring At Lines.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Near Death Experience On A Run
The other day while doing my long run. I was enjoying some Hillsong United on my Ipod when I noticed a lady walking her dog. So I did what everyone does when they are running on a sidewalk and someone is walking their man eating Dog. I veered to the right and hope the lady would hold the leash tight and not let her dog attack me. Lucky for me the lady did just that and as the dog ferociously barked at me with the delight of eating me in his eyes I was able to escape the clutches of the jaws of death that would have consumed my leg or my big toe at least. What kind of dog was it you may ask. It was....... well it was a Chihuahua. Yes, I said it! But it was a man eating Chihuahua. Well he acted as a man-eater!
Now Seriously I never thought the dog would eat me, but I did admire his tenacity in trying to attack me. That dog barked, pulled his masters leash and growled as I ran by. I could not help but realize that I was a giant compared to that little dog. I weigh about 190lbs and the dog maybe a whole 5lbs. I could have stepped on the dog and done major damage to him. But that did not stop that little dog from coming at me as if he was gonna do some damage to my big toe. It was as if the dog had no thought for his safety or his masters safety. But just maybe he was sticking up or standing up for his master.
I tell this story because I want to share with you how we should all learn from this silly dog. Because far to many Christian including myself fail to stand up for God. We do not defend our faith. We do not stand our Ground. We do not stand up to the Goliath's in our lives. We do not speak in defence of the Gospel. We don't take a stand when the people we work with blaspheme our God. I am not saying to act ignorant but just like that little dog. We should be willing to defend the Living God who gave so much for us. I think we are so scared to stand up and be noticed as a child of God because we do not want anyone to hate us. But God says if we love Him people will hate us. Now how or why they hate us should be for the right reasons. If you act like a jerk in your defence then you are wrong and they should hate you. Now if you give a defence in love and not with a judgemental spirit that God be glorified then we are being hated for the right reasons. Remember God commands us to Love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind and then to Love our neighbour's as our selves. Just like that little dog we should be tenacious about our faith, we should stand our ground and most of all we should defend our God not because He cannot but because He would want us To.
So as this little dog has challenged me I want to challenge you to be strong stand up for Jesus and be counted as one of His children. I will stand and I hope you follow as we Stare At Lines.
Now Seriously I never thought the dog would eat me, but I did admire his tenacity in trying to attack me. That dog barked, pulled his masters leash and growled as I ran by. I could not help but realize that I was a giant compared to that little dog. I weigh about 190lbs and the dog maybe a whole 5lbs. I could have stepped on the dog and done major damage to him. But that did not stop that little dog from coming at me as if he was gonna do some damage to my big toe. It was as if the dog had no thought for his safety or his masters safety. But just maybe he was sticking up or standing up for his master.
I tell this story because I want to share with you how we should all learn from this silly dog. Because far to many Christian including myself fail to stand up for God. We do not defend our faith. We do not stand our Ground. We do not stand up to the Goliath's in our lives. We do not speak in defence of the Gospel. We don't take a stand when the people we work with blaspheme our God. I am not saying to act ignorant but just like that little dog. We should be willing to defend the Living God who gave so much for us. I think we are so scared to stand up and be noticed as a child of God because we do not want anyone to hate us. But God says if we love Him people will hate us. Now how or why they hate us should be for the right reasons. If you act like a jerk in your defence then you are wrong and they should hate you. Now if you give a defence in love and not with a judgemental spirit that God be glorified then we are being hated for the right reasons. Remember God commands us to Love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind and then to Love our neighbour's as our selves. Just like that little dog we should be tenacious about our faith, we should stand our ground and most of all we should defend our God not because He cannot but because He would want us To.
So as this little dog has challenged me I want to challenge you to be strong stand up for Jesus and be counted as one of His children. I will stand and I hope you follow as we Stare At Lines.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Cheer or Cry?
While at Elevate Church this past Easter Sunday. I has this thought. If I was back in Jesus time during the Crucifixion would I have Cheered with the crowd or would I have cried? I have thought allot about this over the last 24hrs. I would like to say that I would have cried. I wish I could have said, this is not right, and stood up and tried to do something. I would love to think that I would have stood up for Jesus. In my shame I think I would have to say I would probably be one of the Cheerers. I think I would have been duped into believing that this Man is Challenging our faith. This Man is trying to convince us He is God. That He is the Truth the Way and the Life. He spends more time with the street people, hookers and thieves, truly He could not be whom He says he is. He never takes the time to hang out with us religious types. I read, study, pray and tithe. Am I not good enough.
With that being said, Jesus was a trend setter. He question the status quo of Religion of the day. He saw the need to be with the down trodden (poor, sick, blind, lame and deaf) with the outcasts (street people, hookers, thieves and the homeless) He was more concerned with His Fathers business, than being popular. He then died for the sins of the world, but staying dead was not His fate. He would rise from the dead. Paying the debt that no one else could pay. While it is hard to believe, Jesus did not only die for those who were crying but for those who were cheering as well. I know it is really hard to believe that while I may have been one of those who would have been cheering, Jesus died for me.
I am so glad I do not have to deal with the thought of, did I made the right choice in cheering or crying. I know, I am His. I am a Child of God through His work on the cross (the shed blood of Jesus) and the fact that the grave could not hold Him and He forgives me. Makes me believe. He is the Son of God! He did heal the blind, deaf, lame, and the sick! He did raise the dead and Feed the 5000. I am so Glad that even though I would have been a cheerer, Jesus still forgives me. Still loves me and will still wants to use me. So even though I would have been a cheerer, because of Jesus Love for me I can now say in hind-sight of course. I AM NOW A CRIER!!!
While this is not my usual type of blog. I just think that sometimes it is good to just reflect on how and what we believe. I think we should ask ourselves how we would have acted if we were there when Jesus walked the earth. While we cannot be there physically we can through His word walk with Him. While we Stare at Lines.
With that being said, Jesus was a trend setter. He question the status quo of Religion of the day. He saw the need to be with the down trodden (poor, sick, blind, lame and deaf) with the outcasts (street people, hookers, thieves and the homeless) He was more concerned with His Fathers business, than being popular. He then died for the sins of the world, but staying dead was not His fate. He would rise from the dead. Paying the debt that no one else could pay. While it is hard to believe, Jesus did not only die for those who were crying but for those who were cheering as well. I know it is really hard to believe that while I may have been one of those who would have been cheering, Jesus died for me.
I am so glad I do not have to deal with the thought of, did I made the right choice in cheering or crying. I know, I am His. I am a Child of God through His work on the cross (the shed blood of Jesus) and the fact that the grave could not hold Him and He forgives me. Makes me believe. He is the Son of God! He did heal the blind, deaf, lame, and the sick! He did raise the dead and Feed the 5000. I am so Glad that even though I would have been a cheerer, Jesus still forgives me. Still loves me and will still wants to use me. So even though I would have been a cheerer, because of Jesus Love for me I can now say in hind-sight of course. I AM NOW A CRIER!!!
While this is not my usual type of blog. I just think that sometimes it is good to just reflect on how and what we believe. I think we should ask ourselves how we would have acted if we were there when Jesus walked the earth. While we cannot be there physically we can through His word walk with Him. While we Stare at Lines.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Oh No!!! Not the Wind Again!
Today I finally got outside on the bike. That is right the bike trainer has no hold on me. It was time for me to hit the open road and let the wind flow through my hair under a bike helmet of course. Oh, wait did I say wind? No I didn't just mentioned that bad 4 letter word? Wind! Oh man. Thats right, this is what happened today. I got out on the open road and started pedaling. Up to the top of the hill down the other side and up another hill. when I finally got to flat ground, I thought wow my winter bike plan was working because I was cruising at 28mph. That was when I realized that I didn't have a winter bike plan. I was injured all winter. Then that is when it hit me this speed I am traveling at is all wind generated. That thought might not seem like allot but when I turn around I am gonna be heading right back into the wind. The same wind pushing me at break neck speeds is gonna be pushing me to a drastically slow pace.
So while doing my SUFFERFEST bike ride the thought came to mind. That while riding, the wind at my back was pushing me and when the wind was in my face it was holding me back so to speak. It was while I was suffering that I was reminded that in my Christian life if I walk in the Spirit it seems like my life is on cruise control, while not perfect or with out issues ( I have some, OK maybe allot) ,but things just seems to flow real good. Although when I am not in the Spirit but in my Flesh walking my own way. This is when I feel like I am riding against the wind in my Christian life. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit gives power (Acts1:8) gives comfort (John14:16-26) helper (John14:26) and convicts (John16:8-11). You see God has sent His Holy Spirit to work in our lives. He is here to help, lead and move us to grow closer to Him and serve others. He gives us POWER to do the will of God. While we are living in a Spirit Filled lives we will draw closer to Him. While we serve others we draw closer to Him.
So as we allow God to flow through us with His Holy Spirit. (I John 4:13) There is nothing we cannot do for Him. My desire right now is to be like a mirror. I people to see God's Glory reflecting off of me. So when the they see me they see Jesus. I believe this can happen if I let the Holy Spirit flow through me as I continue to Stare At Lines.
So while doing my SUFFERFEST bike ride the thought came to mind. That while riding, the wind at my back was pushing me and when the wind was in my face it was holding me back so to speak. It was while I was suffering that I was reminded that in my Christian life if I walk in the Spirit it seems like my life is on cruise control, while not perfect or with out issues ( I have some, OK maybe allot) ,but things just seems to flow real good. Although when I am not in the Spirit but in my Flesh walking my own way. This is when I feel like I am riding against the wind in my Christian life. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit gives power (Acts1:8) gives comfort (John14:16-26) helper (John14:26) and convicts (John16:8-11). You see God has sent His Holy Spirit to work in our lives. He is here to help, lead and move us to grow closer to Him and serve others. He gives us POWER to do the will of God. While we are living in a Spirit Filled lives we will draw closer to Him. While we serve others we draw closer to Him.
So as we allow God to flow through us with His Holy Spirit. (I John 4:13) There is nothing we cannot do for Him. My desire right now is to be like a mirror. I people to see God's Glory reflecting off of me. So when the they see me they see Jesus. I believe this can happen if I let the Holy Spirit flow through me as I continue to Stare At Lines.
Monday, April 4, 2011
It Is Not How You Start, But How You Finish!
Today is my first day back on the training cycle again. Yet once again it seems like I am asking my self the same old question. With 2 months left before Tri-Shark, the question that I find myself asking do I compete or participate? I know that I am very competitive but the real question is, will I be ready in time? 2 months is not a lot of time to become competitive. My goal will be to start training so that I will be ready for my last race the North Carolina TTT's in October.
As For my race goals for the Tri-Shark? I always wanted to compete in this race. so I guess I will try to get ready as best as I can. I must remember, it is not the beginning of the season that I am looking forward to it is the End. The North Carolina TTT's. so I guess I may have to wait til next year to compete in Tri-shark then again I just might be ready. June 4th will be the day for me to find out if I am ready or not.
While I was swimming today. I found myself thinking about a conversation I had with My pastor. He and I was talking about how I was saved at 19yrs old, but by the time I was 28 I was off doing my own thing. I then told him how coming to Elevate Church had changed my life. Then I then told him about how I have wasted more of my life on myself than serving Him. I told him how I really felt bad about what I have done. Then my Pastor said this, "Ric you are a Triathlete and you should know this, it is not how you start but how you finish."
This is so true, not only in my Triathlon life as well as my Christian life. It is never how you start but how you finish. As we go through life we see a progression of learning and growing. I hope you will see it is not how I start but how I finish. So while I continue to Stare at Lines, lets see how I finish not how I start.
As For my race goals for the Tri-Shark? I always wanted to compete in this race. so I guess I will try to get ready as best as I can. I must remember, it is not the beginning of the season that I am looking forward to it is the End. The North Carolina TTT's. so I guess I may have to wait til next year to compete in Tri-shark then again I just might be ready. June 4th will be the day for me to find out if I am ready or not.
While I was swimming today. I found myself thinking about a conversation I had with My pastor. He and I was talking about how I was saved at 19yrs old, but by the time I was 28 I was off doing my own thing. I then told him how coming to Elevate Church had changed my life. Then I then told him about how I have wasted more of my life on myself than serving Him. I told him how I really felt bad about what I have done. Then my Pastor said this, "Ric you are a Triathlete and you should know this, it is not how you start but how you finish."
This is so true, not only in my Triathlon life as well as my Christian life. It is never how you start but how you finish. As we go through life we see a progression of learning and growing. I hope you will see it is not how I start but how I finish. So while I continue to Stare at Lines, lets see how I finish not how I start.
Monday, March 28, 2011
What Do You Love?
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing". They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. Jn. 21:3
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to Him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said unto him, "Feed My sheep." Jn. 3:17
During one of my recent morning devotions I read John 21. What was odd is I never really had a scripture grab me like this one did. I have never thought about Peter deciding to re-start his fishing business. I have always looked at is as Peter was just wanted to pass the time and do a little fishing like you and I. I really do not know why I have thought that but I did. The fact that he boarded a boat with some of the Apostles and fished with nets all night makes me now believe he was re-starting the family business. As I went through the day the phrase kept running through my head, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" The phrase, "love Me more than these?" just rang in my head all day. As I thought about, the more I came to realize it wasn't Peter, Jesus was talking to this day. It was me!!! While in the Scripture He (Jesus) was in fact talking to Peter, today Jesus was talking to me.
Before you think I am some kind of nut job, let me explain. Last week I was feeling a little down and frustrated with all my injuries and illness. I have not really been training like I was before I sprained my ankle in November. I was just starting to get my training up to speed then my chronic Bronchitis came back real hard. I am still trying to recover. So while in a self imposed pity party it was Jesus saying to me,"Ric do you love Me more than racing/training?" I am not sure why He had put these verses in my mind and heart, but I do know He spoke and I have listened. I have been evaluating what I love. I ask myself if I love this more that Jesus.
I am finding myself Loving Jesus more and other things less. I still love and long to train but it doesn't seem to be my top priority anymore. I find myself wanting to read my Bible and pray first then what time is left then I train. Training and Racing are starting to be secondary to what I am doing for Him. So I pray that you will, pray for me while I follow the true line of Faith and life. So as I Stare at Lines I hope my journey will be one that Honors and Glorifies God.
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to Him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said unto him, "Feed My sheep." Jn. 3:17
During one of my recent morning devotions I read John 21. What was odd is I never really had a scripture grab me like this one did. I have never thought about Peter deciding to re-start his fishing business. I have always looked at is as Peter was just wanted to pass the time and do a little fishing like you and I. I really do not know why I have thought that but I did. The fact that he boarded a boat with some of the Apostles and fished with nets all night makes me now believe he was re-starting the family business. As I went through the day the phrase kept running through my head, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" The phrase, "love Me more than these?" just rang in my head all day. As I thought about, the more I came to realize it wasn't Peter, Jesus was talking to this day. It was me!!! While in the Scripture He (Jesus) was in fact talking to Peter, today Jesus was talking to me.
Before you think I am some kind of nut job, let me explain. Last week I was feeling a little down and frustrated with all my injuries and illness. I have not really been training like I was before I sprained my ankle in November. I was just starting to get my training up to speed then my chronic Bronchitis came back real hard. I am still trying to recover. So while in a self imposed pity party it was Jesus saying to me,"Ric do you love Me more than racing/training?" I am not sure why He had put these verses in my mind and heart, but I do know He spoke and I have listened. I have been evaluating what I love. I ask myself if I love this more that Jesus.
I am finding myself Loving Jesus more and other things less. I still love and long to train but it doesn't seem to be my top priority anymore. I find myself wanting to read my Bible and pray first then what time is left then I train. Training and Racing are starting to be secondary to what I am doing for Him. So I pray that you will, pray for me while I follow the true line of Faith and life. So as I Stare at Lines I hope my journey will be one that Honors and Glorifies God.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Training in Full Swing or What?
Well this was the week I was suppose to start training full swing. I was planning to bike outside and really start picking up my training. I wanted to Get focused on June and Tri-Shark. This is a race I have missed the last 2 years. I have a very competitive spirit but coming into this year my competitive vision has not been as strong. I have been seriously considering if I am gonna compete or participate. This has been a serious struggle for me. I have always had a competitive spirit it has been in my blood since I was a little boy. But now it just seems like I have been content to just go thorough the motions. I am not sure if it is the injury to my ankle or this case of bronchitis that has me down over the weekend. What ever the case I have kind of lost my focus for training right now. While I am trying to find my way for this Triathlon season it has left me thinking of how I will face this season. Will I compete or will I just participate is the question I will be asking myself for the next few days.
I think it is funny but there are times in my life I find myself asking the same thing about my Christian walk. Not so much anymore. When I first met my girlfriend Julie we were not seeking God. But as our relationship started to grow we started to seek Him. We went to a church and we went through the motions. You know get up on Sunday's and go to church and feel good for the moment and then we lived our life until the next Sunday. I now think back to those days and wondered how I could live like that. Craig Groeschel wrote a book about that very thing called,"The Christian Atheist".
A Christian Atheist is one who believes in God, but lives as if He does not exist. So as God continues to work in my life. I now look back and wondered how I could have lived my life in that way? While I must admit that from where I came (total disobedience) to where I was just a little over year ago was an improvement, but was still Christian Atheism. Ever since God really got a hold of my heart to now I find myself growing closer and closer to Him. Just about the only thing I really know for sure is, that while I am not perfect I believe I am on the right path in my walk for Him. As long as I keep His words in my heart and my mind on Him, He will direct my path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
So while I may not know where I am going on my Triathlon journey one thing is for sure I know my bike course, and my running path and as long as I keep my sight right on the swim course of Life. He will guide me. As I Stare at Lines.
A Christian Atheist is one who believes in God, but lives as if He does not exist. So as God continues to work in my life. I now look back and wondered how I could have lived my life in that way? While I must admit that from where I came (total disobedience) to where I was just a little over year ago was an improvement, but was still Christian Atheism. Ever since God really got a hold of my heart to now I find myself growing closer and closer to Him. Just about the only thing I really know for sure is, that while I am not perfect I believe I am on the right path in my walk for Him. As long as I keep His words in my heart and my mind on Him, He will direct my path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
So while I may not know where I am going on my Triathlon journey one thing is for sure I know my bike course, and my running path and as long as I keep my sight right on the swim course of Life. He will guide me. As I Stare at Lines.
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